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Starfall shrugged. 'Maybe our ancestors had a sense of adventure …'
'Do you know the location of the other eggs?' Fyia snapped.
'No,' said Starfall.
'And you didn't think to mention this before I went to the Fae'ch?'
'I really thought you knew …'
'You didn't think it strange I chose the Fae'ch as my first port of call?'
'Not really; they're closest, and your brother's there. I thought you secretly wanted to see him.'
'I did want to see him, but …'
'How is he?' said Starfall.
Fyia's eyes darted to Essa, whose back had snapped straight, before returning to Starfall. 'He's fine; don't change the subject.'
'Well, anyway,' said Starfall, as if her words were of no consequence … as if they hadn't spun Fyia off her axis, 'now you have a lead.'
The way she said it, like it was all trivial … Fyia stood abruptly. 'We'll take the airship to the Scorpion Lands,' she said.
Fyia was halfway to the exit before she remembered her captives. 'Oh, we came bearing gifts,' she said, opening the door.
Members of her bodyguard stood waiting outside, guarding Opie, and the deranged woman the Emperor had sent.
Fyia ushered them in. 'Essa, this is Opie. He's a pilot. His sister invented the airship. Spider, the woman is for you.'
Fyia took the airship to the Scorpion Lands. She made her wolves stay behind, much to their disgust, but they weren't suited to the climate, or the airship.
The island housing the Temple of the Whore was a long way south, the weather hot and humid, tropical forest bursting from every speck of free land. Fyia had sent an eagle, so the island would know to expect them, and Queen Scorpia had sent a message back, saying that, in a piece of good fortune, she was currently in residence on the island, and would look forward to meeting The Conqueror Queen.
The Conqueror Queen.Fyia wasn't sure how she felt about that. She was less conqueror and more liberator in her own mind, but it was better than other names she'd been called …
They flew in, and landed on a crystal-clear lagoon, because apparently the airship could also float on water. Fyia really needed a fleet of these things.
A welcoming party awaited them, most staring open-mouthed at the flying machine. Fyia disembarked, prowling down the gangplank, those waiting on the sand casting nervous looks between her and Edu, who strode menacingly behind. She made the others stay on the boat, Adigos grumbling under his breath as she left.
Fyia wore a long flowing blue dress, her hair braided, pinned up on her head. Starfall had warned her about the weather, so she'd dressed appropriately, but still had her dagger strapped to her leg, just in case.
Fyia approached an ornate, open-sided tent on the sand, rugs and a chair set out underneath the canopy, the chair occupied by a withered old woman.
The woman stood as Fyia entered. She also wore a long, floaty dress, her grey hair also pinned back, but, unlike Fyia, gemstones adorned every inch of her. Gold chains inset with stones clanked around her wrists, neck, and ankles. Her ears and nose were studded with bright gems, and her hair housed a riot of color.
'Queen Scorpia,' said Fyia, giving a small bow.
'Queen Fyia,' said Scorpia, doing the same. 'Welcome to the Island of the Whore. Come …' Scorpia held out her hand, motioning towards a path into the jungle, then took off with surprising agility, considering her advanced years.
They entered the jungle, and after only twenty paces, came to a large clearing covered by a canopy of leaves. Mottled light filtered through the greenery, and in the middle of the space stood a single elephant.
'I do not have a Cruaxee,' said Scorpia, 'but if I did, I am sure it would be the elephant. Sanya and I have been together since we were young. We may be old, but we still function quite well. Will you ride with me to the temple?'
The elephant's back was bare. 'I'd be delighted,' said Fyia, fascinated and excited. She could see Edu tense out of the corner of her eye, but Fyia was sure it was safe.
They approached the great grey beast, and the elephant stroked Scorpia's back with her trunk. 'This is my friend, Fyia,' said Scorpia, as though the animal could understand her words. The elephant—Sanya—reached out with her trunk, and Fyia laughed as she ruffled her hair.
'Pleased to meet you too,' said Fyia.
